Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Colorado is right. We have had this conversation in this Chamber, Mr. Chair, before. The Service does attempt to comply with the statutory mandate and to review the status of listed species every 5 years to determine whether or not it is classified as threatened or endangered. It is correct. The Service has a backlog in reviews due to funding limitations. This year it is a 17 percent listing reduction contained in this bill so that they have been working on the backlog. But the Service still has only been able to complete 100 to 120 reviews per year, which is half of what is needed. So in this bill, you and I might agree that there are things that could happen and that money isn't always the solution to a problem, but in this bill you might be surprised to know that it has cut another $3.4 million, so that only builds up the backlog all the more. That is not necessarily the fault of the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Chair. It is just the fact that the allocation that our subcommittee had to work with, tough choices had to be made. I know that the chairman was trying to balance a lot of things. The gentleman talked about the court and the environment. I would love to have a conversation with the gentleman more about that, because it is my understanding--and I want to make sure I have it correct before we go into depth about it because, as the gentleman knows, we have a good relationship, and I want to make sure that I am correct when I say things--that actually some of the things that have been happening in court have actually helped to reduce some of the costs that the gentleman is thinking about because it is in place. I will get the information, Mr. Chair, and share it with the gentleman later. But the fact is that this amendment would not remove species without review from the list of species protected by the ESA so that the ESA's prohibition, again, would still remain, and it still would be the ability of citizens to sue or force compliance even with what the gentleman is proposing. So funding cannot be used to enforce the ESA for species with late reviews; it is going to leave the species unprotected. Proposed language would prohibit the Service from working with the agencies. It would prohibit working with developers and landowners to comply, compliance to section 7 consultations or section 10 permits for Federal and private projects that could potentially affect the species. So as you can see, the other thing it doesn't do is the proposed language would not affect the ability of third parties to sue those agencies or landowners. So I agree with the gentleman that we need to do a better job of making sure that these reviews are done in a timely fashion. I agree that, when a species has attained a classification where it is no longer threatened or it is no longer endangered, it should come off. So I think we have a lot in common. But I think that the challenge with this amendment is that, without the funding, in order for the Service to do the job that it has to do, it just kind of puts the Service in a box in which we are saying you are not doing a good job and, therefore, we are going to start changing the way in which we proceed. So I, right now, have to oppose this amendment. But as I said, in the policy committee I think that there is room for some of us to come together and to make improvement, but legislating this rider for 1 year at a time on this appropriations bill doesn't allow us to have the deep, transparent, and open discussion that we need to have to resolve your issue. So at this time I oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, clearly, what this amendment does--and it is different from the other amendment--is prohibit the Fish and Wildlife Service from implementing or enforcing the threatened species listing of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse under the Endangered Species Act. It full-out restricts the Service from offering any critical protections to preserve the species. Once a species like this is listed under the Endangered Species Act, the role of the Fish and Wildlife Service is fairly permissive. They can help parties comply with the act as they carry out their other activities. The Service right now is reviewing and considering all the comments that they received during the public comment period, and a draft recovery plan is being worked through to develop a final recovery plan. But with this amendment, the Service would not be able to continue to recover the species. All the Endangered Species Act prohibitions would still apply. So, in other words, we would stop them from moving forward, but they would still be under jurisdiction to comply. They wouldn't be able to comply by working with agencies and land developers and landowners to provide the ESA compliance. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be barred from issuing permits or from offering exemptions. That means landowners, industry, and other parties who might need to take the Preble's meadow jumping mouse incidental to otherwise lawful activities, such as urban development, are vulnerable to third-party lawsuits. Another limitation that the Service would have would be undertaking the required status reviews of subspecies or initiating any rulemaking or downlisting or delisting species. So now we are talking about deep dives into what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife may or may not be impacted by doing or helping landowners or developers on an appropriations bill. Quite frankly, as I have been saying all night--and I understand people have the right to come here with these amendments--the Service has a responsibility to implement the Endangered Species Act. They are charged with fulfilling their legal requirements. When they don't fulfill their legal requirements, it makes them more vulnerable to lawsuits, which I know is not the goal of the author of this amendment, Mr. Chair. But when there are lawsuits incurred, it creates more costs for American taxpayers. The gentleman's amendment would just undermine the Service's ability to work collaboratively with States and local communities. It opens the Service up for lawsuits and it would create even more uncertainty for landowners and make them vulnerable, as I said, to lawsuits. I think we should be working to support the Fish and Wildlife efforts, not blocking the agency from doing its job and going back to what we discussed earlier, that is working through the committees of authorization, and then the authorizing committees having conversations with the Appropriations Committee on how they can achieve their goals, this being one of them. Because of those reasons, I do not support this amendment. I thank the gentleman for bringing this forward, but at this time I cannot support it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham).

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, while there is nothing more I would like to do, I think any of us would all like to do, than to provide more resources for the clean water SRF, it can't be done by reducing the EPA's environmental programs in management. This administration has clearly shown that they do not regard the EPA's work as a priority, which means that they have a blatant disregard for public health and the health of our environment. The EPM account includes funding for programs like brownfields enforcement, environmental justice, geographic programs, and lot of other critical programs, some of which I gave examples of this evening, which would suffer with a $250 million reduction. This amendment illustrates, because I agree with the gentleman, I wish we had more money to put in that account, what happens when we don't have adequate 302(b) allocations. To overuse a common phrase, we are robbing Peter to pay Paul, and it is not making us whole. So it is with great reluctance that I oppose this amendment, but oppose it I must because the cuts that have already been made this evening to the brownfields enforcement, the environmental justice programs, and a myriad of other programs which are critical to the health and well- being of our communities, and they are out there working every day on it, is something I can just not support. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this en bloc amendment. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer).

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment No. 27 Offered by Mr. Langevin

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I would like to just take a brief second and thank the full committee chair and the full committee ranking member for their support as we move forward in this progress, and a special thank you to all the great staff on both sides of the aisle, the Democratic and Republican staff. But my very special thanks to Chairman Calvert, and once again, for his staff and our staff, for their work in an open and collaborative approach. This committee has a challenging portfolio of issues, and I commend the chairman's efforts to find solutions in yet another difficult budget year. Unfortunately, the fiscal year 2018 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee allocation is $824 million less than last year's enacted level. This devastating cut to the allocation shortchanges the protection of our Nation's natural and cultural resources and has real consequences for American families and communities. Adequate funding for the Interior, Environment division is critical at a time when the Trump administration is attacking the science behind climate change and rolling back regulations that protect the water we drink and the air we breathe. We are at a defining moment in history. Our lack of action to combat climate change now will impact the world we pass on to our children and grandchildren. We can no longer afford to disregard the overwhelming scientific evidence that the planet is warming, sea levels are rising, and glaciers are melting. We have all seen the destruction inflicted by Hurricane Harvey. As the waters recede, the Environmental Protection Agency is playing a key role in keeping Americans safe. Once again, we are reminded of the importance of agencies like the EPA both during times of crisis and on a daily basis. Unfortunately, EPA receives the most significant programmatic cuts to this division. Slashing the Environmental Protection Agency by $534 million will severely impact the Agency's ability to protect human health and safety and ensure clean air and clean water for all Americans. The Agency's budget is already $2.2 billion below FY10 levels. It is irresponsible to cut the EPA even further. The bill also cuts programs critical to managing public lands and reduces funding necessary for endangered species listing protection. The American people expect us to be good stewards of our public lands and wildlife, but this bill falls short on that commitment. Despite the bill's shortcomings in environmental protection and resource conservation, I want to express how proud I am of this subcommittee's nonpartisan approach to addressing issues facing our Native American brothers and sisters. I am pleased that the bill recommends an increase of $108 million over the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for programs critical to Indian Country. The health, education, and safety of tribal communities is a Federal responsibility that our subcommittee takes very seriously. That is one bright spot in this bill. Unfortunately, this bill falls far short in too many other areas, both as a result of our low allocation and as a result of wildfire suppression costs that are burning a hole in this bill. Since the start of this year, more than 1.1 million acres have burned. As a result, the U.S. Forest Service does not have adequate funding in the current fiscal year to combat these disasters. They will need to borrow funds from nonfire accounts, making it harder for the Service to conduct preparedness activities to reduce the severity of wildfires. That is why every member of the Interior Subcommittee is a cosponsor of Chairman Simpson's Wildfire Disaster Funding Act. I am very disappointed that the majority's leadership missed an opportunity to include those commonsense reforms in this legislation. That is why I have called for emergency funding for wildfire suppression activities in the next disaster supplemental. Finally, in addition to the irresponsible cuts to the EPA and natural resource programs, I must express my concern and disappointment with the partisan riders in this bill that pander to special interests at the expense of the public good. These riders jeopardize protection and recovery for vulnerable species, restrict protection of our oceans, undermine clean water and clean air safeguards, and even prevent the development of renewable energy. Mr. Chairman, this bill is not sufficient to meet the needs of the American people. I know that we can do better than this. Congress needs a bipartisan budget agreement that increases nondefense discretionary spending levels. Despite my current opposition, I want to be clear that I will continue to work with Chairman Calvert through this year's appropriations process to produce a responsible bill that both parties can support.

Ms. McCOLLUM. I thank the chairman, my friend, for his response and commitment to robustly funding the Community Services Block Grant. I know this program, as I said, helps people across the Nation and brings great value to the communities it serves.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your work on this bill providing funding to critical programs. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about the importance of the Community Services Block Grant. This program funds community action agencies that address poverty and assist seniors and other vulnerable populations in becoming self-sufficient. I have seen, in my district, the valuable services these groups provide helping people find jobs.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 120th Anniversary of the Hamline United Methodist Church Dining Hall at the Minnesota State Fair. As one of the nation's oldest state fairs, and the largest state fair by attendance, Minnesota's ``Great Get-Together'' attracts nearly 2 million people each year over its annual 12-day run. Over the years, countless fairgoers have satisfied their hunger for good food and fellowship at the Hamline United Methodist Church Dining Hall. The 2017 fair, which just wrapped up yesterday, marked a truly special milestone for the dining hall. Beginning in 1897, a group of women from the Hamline Methodist Episcopal Church Ladies Aid Society decided to raise money for their congregation by hopping in the back of a church member's coal wagon and heading to the Minnesota State Fair to sell sandwiches they had made in their basement. Thus began a great ritual of feeding fairgoers that has continued through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and dramatic demographic changes in Minnesota. Throughout its 120 years, Hamline Methodist Church has served meals from various locations on the fairgrounds. Its current home site was purchased from the East Immanuel Norwegian Evangelical Church of Saint Paul in 1944. That building was replaced by the current building in 1968, with an addition added in 1983 to accommodate its increasing popularity. While the physical venue of the dining hall has changed over the years, the heart of the operation has remained its volunteers. Every year more than 60 volunteer servers and food prep workers a day fill over 700 shifts. There, they prepare and serve its signature Hamline Ham Loaf, Swedish Meatballs, famous breakfasts, and bottomless cups of coffee. Delicious food has brought together generations of Minnesotans and other visitors from across the country. It also helped to fund reconstruction of the Church's sanctuary on Englewood Avenue in Saint Paul, after a Christmastime fire destroyed it in 1925. The dining hall remains popular with fairgoers because it offers a place to take a break, sit down, and use real silverware and a plate rather than just food on a stick. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this proud Minnesota State Fair tradition. I wish the congregation of Hamline United Methodist Church all the best as they plan for the next 120 years of hospitality at the Hamline United Methodist Church Dining Hall.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the grand reopening of the Minnesota State Capitol after nearly four years of renovation. Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert and inspired by the 1893 Chicago World's Fair's White City, an Italian Renaissance city-sized exhibit, the Minnesota State Capitol was celebrated as one of America's finest state houses when it opened in 1905. Now, after nearly 30 years of planning and study, this great building has been reborn through renovation, restoration, and enhancements, including technological improvements. The renovation extends the usable lifespan of the State Capitol by at least another century. The amount of public space has doubled to nearly 40,000 square feet, brand new public meeting rooms line the halls, the public will have more access and seating in hearing rooms, and a new information center for students and educators will enrich school visits. In addition, the renovation has made the State Capitol more accessible to all Minnesotans, especially those with disabilities. When the State Capitol open its doors to Minnesotans this summer, the citizens of my home state will be able tour expanded public spaces, marvel at restored art and craftsmanship, and more effectively participate in our legislative process. Thank you to all the workers for the hours of planning, design, building, and polishing our State Capitol back to its original grandeur. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record my letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee. The letter expresses my strong opposition to a discussion draft the Committee held a hearing on this week, proposed by Representative Tom Emmer, that would undercut existing environmental and public lands laws to allow a Chilean mining conglomerate to conduct dangerous sulfide-ore coppering mining adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 27, 2017. Hon. Paul Gosar, Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals, House Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Hon. Alan Lowenthal, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals, House Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Gosar and Ranking Member Lowenthal: I write to express my strong opposition to the discussion draft proposed by Representative Tom Emmer considered today, July 27, in the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee. This proposed legislation would undercut existing environmental and public lands laws to allow a Chilean mining conglomerate to conduct dangerous sulfide-ore coopering mining adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Located in northeastern Minnesota along the United States' border with Canada, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) comprises approximately 1.1 million acres of unspoiled woodlands and more than 1,000 pristine lakes. It is home to iconic species such as loons, moose, and lynx, while the waters support thriving populations of walleye, bass, and trout. Congress recognized the value of this unique national treasure when it passed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act in 1978. This critical legislation established necessary protections for the BWCAW, prohibiting logging and mining and placing limits on the use of motorized vehicles to preserve the unspoiled nature of this special area. That law strengthened the federal role as caretaker of this area of unparalleled natural beauty, and in doing so built upon more than a century of actions by federal and state governments. In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt created the Superior National Forest to protect the surrounding area. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law, and set aside one million acres of the Boundary Waters as a wilderness area. In 1976, the state of Minnesota banned mining on state lands within the Boundary Waters. These polices have ensured that Minnesota's Boundary Waters are one of the few remaining wild places in the United States. The BWCAW does not exist in isolation, however. It is a critical part of a vast, interconnected watershed that flows through the Superior National Forest and into Voyageurs National Park and Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. While the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978 prohibited mining within the Boundary Waters itself, it did not address existing mineral leases located within the parts of the watershed in the Superior National Forest. In 2011, Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta announced plans for its Twin Metals sulfide-ore copper mine on federal land within this watershed. Antofagasta planned to pursue this mining under mineral leases issued in 1966, before the enactment of modern environmental legislation such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. However, those leases expired in 2014, requiring Antofagasta to apply for a renewal. Under the terms of the leases, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) reviewed and denied those renewals in December 2016, based on a denial of consent from the United States Forest Service (USFS). The USFS determined that copper-sulfide ore mining on these leases would pose an unacceptable risk that ``might cause serious and Irreplaceable harm to this unique, iconic, and irreplaceable wilderness area''. Sulfide-ore mining is the most toxic industry in America, polluting waterways with acid drainage that contains arsenic, mercury and lead. Researchers that surveyed sulfide-ore copper mines in North America found that every mine had leeched pollution into surrounding water, with 92 percent failing to contain mine seepage and seriously affecting water quality. Underscoring the danger of sulfide-ore copper mining, the failure of the Mount Polley copper mine in British Columbia in August 2014 released a toxic slurry of 10 billion liters of wastewater and 5 billion liters of solid tailings. This immense pollution destroyed the surrounding landscape and permanently damaged an irreplaceable salmon spawning area. Simply put, sulfide-ore copper mining is not suited in the vast, interconnected watershed that contains the BWCA, which is exactly why the BLM and USFS determined that the sustainable management of the forests, lakes and streams in this area was best served by not renewing Antofagasta's leases. This decision was also supported with action taken by the state government. In March 2016, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton directed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ``not to authorize or enter into any new state access agreements or lease agreements for mining operations'' on state lands in close proximity to the BWCAW. Following the denial of the leases, the USFS submitted an application to the Secretary of the interior to withdraw portions of the watershed that flows Into the BWCAW from future mineral permits and leases, to remove the threat of sulfide-ore mining throughout this sensitive landscape. Today, the USFS and the BLM are conducting a thorough environmental analysis to determine whether the lands should be withdrawn from mineral leasing for a period of 20 years. In addition to relying on sound science, this review includes input from the public and key stakeholders. In just the past two weeks, more than 1,500 people have attended public meetings held by the USFS in Virginia, Minnesota and St. Paul, Minnesota. This environmental review and public input process is the best path forward, as Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue affirmed to me during a hearing of the House Interior- Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on May 27, 2017. In response to a question about the study, Secretary Perdue responded: ``We are determined to proceed in that effort and let it run its course. No decision will be made prior to the conclusion of that.'' Unfortunately, the discussion draft presented by Representative Emmer entirely short-circuits this careful and deliberate review process, recklessly overturns the science- based denial of consent decision from the USFS, and attacks existing environmental and public lands laws--all for the benefit of a foreign conglomerate's mining project. I have several serious concerns about the far-reaching impacts of the discussion draft presented by Representative Emmer: It automatically grants Antofagasta two federal mineral leases on Superior National Forest lands, ignoring the strong federal and state opposition to sulfide-ore mining in this area. One federal mineral lease is immediately adjacent to the BWCAW and the second is within three miles of the BWCAW boundary. Peer-reviewed science documents that acid mine drainage from sulfide-ore copper mines on these leases would flow through the Boundary Waters, Voyageurs National Park, and Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. Attached to this letter is a map that illustrates the extent of the pollution risk to this interconnected watershed. It voids the Forest Service Record of Decision in which the USFS denied to consent to the renewal of Antofagasta's federal mineral leases based on the risk of harm to the Boundary Waters if the leases were granted. The Forest Service's decision on the lease renewals was made by professional career USFS staff after a 3-year review, with extensive opportunity for public comment. The decision cites sound scientific evidence of harm to the BWCAW and considerable public opposition to the projects. The discussion draft ignores these facts entirely and recklessly overturns the well-considered decision of the Forest Service. It undermines established laws governing mineral leasing in the Superior National Forest, bypasses the National Environmental Policy Act, and interferes with an ongoing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This proposal would amend the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act and override the law that gives USFS the right to consent to mining in the Superior National Forest--making substantive changes to these carefully established laws. By retroactively reinstating the Twin Metals leases, the bill would also waive the requirement that federal mineral leases in the watershed go through a NEPA analysis. Furthermore, by reinstating these leases and requiring Congressional approval for the withdrawal of future leasing, this bill would shove aside the scientific analysis and public input process of the current EIS. All of this interference in the established legal process governing federal mineral leasing will primarily serve to benefit a foreign mining conglomerate. It fundamentally alters the 1906 Antiquities Act by mandating Congressional approval for national monuments in the Superior and Chippewa National Forests. This is a virtually unprecedented attack on the Antiquities Act. This bill chips away at fundamental conservation principles in the United States by establishing a carve-out from one of our nation's essential public lands laws. These concerns have been echoed by leaders at some of the United States' foremost organizations advocating for the protection of our environment and the conservation of our public lands. I have attached statements from them to this letter. If this legislation were allowed to move forward with these troubling provisions intact, it would not only undercut existing environmental and public lands laws. It would also undermine the environmental and economic health of northern Minnesota. Drawn by the pristine landscape, the BWCAW today attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year who take advantage of unparalleled opportunities to canoe, fish, and explore this area. These visitors have been a boon to a thriving outdoor recreation economy in the area. According to the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board, tourism in Northeastern Minnesota supports 18,000 jobs and brings $850 million in sales annually to the region. These jobs are dependent on a healthy watershed, and Representative Emmer's plan to reinstate leases for copper-sulfide ore mining would put these jobs and the growing economy they support at risk. As the previous administration explained when issuing their denial of the Twin Metals leases: ``It is well established that acid mine drainage is a significant environmental risk at sulfide ore mine sites like the one proposed for these leased lands and in a water-based ecosystem like the Boundary Waters because contaminated water could have dramatic impacts to aquatic life, sport fisheries, and recreation-based uses and communities.'' As Members of Congress, we have an obligation to be good stewards of our nation's natural resources. It would be a grave mistake to allow dangerous mining to take place on the edge of the Boundary Waters, one of the last wild places in our country. I urge you to oppose the discussion draft presented by Representative Emmer. Sincerely, Betty McCollum, Member of Congress. Enclosures. STATEMENTS OPPOSING THE DISCUSSION DRAFT FROM LEADING ENVIRONMENTAL AND

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong opposition to the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018. Mr. Speaker, we are in a constrained fiscal environment, and we need to make smart choices about the future of our country. I am disappointed to see that many of the choices that the Republican leaders have made in this bill are completely out of balance with the needs of the American people. Republicans have chosen to exclude eight of the appropriations bills from this legislation: funding for roads and bridges to drive on, quality healthcare for our family, protecting our clean air and our drinking water, and the education of future generations. These critical investments that all Americans depend upon are left by the wayside with no path forward. Republicans have chosen to put forward a bill that exceeds the defense caps by $72 billion. With no budget agreement in sight, this bill would trigger sequestration cuts that our military leaders have warned us would have catastrophic consequences for our men and women in uniform. Republicans have also once again declined to make commonsense cuts to defense spending by denying the Pentagon's request for a new BRAC round. Make no mistake: this will waste billions of dollars over the next decade. At a time when countries like China are emphasizing research and investments in clean energy, Republicans have chosen to eliminate funding for ARPA-E, doing great harm--great harm--to America's global competitiveness in advanced research energy. Mr. Speaker, these choices are simply unacceptable to my constituents and to the American people, and I urge my Republican colleagues to work with Democrats to put forward appropriate funding bills that will advance the appropriations bills for all of America and to make America the strong country it should be.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Ya Thao Moua. Mr. Moua was a constituent who passed away on July 2, 2017, at the age of 72. In 1960, at age 15, Mr. Moua joined the Auto Defense de Choc (ADC), a militia training program for the Royal Lao Armed Forces, backed by the Central Intelligence Agency. He rose in the ranks to serve as a Captain and eventually as an Assistant Chief Commander. On November 11, 1969, he sustained grave injuries when he was struck by an ammunition crate dropped by a United States aircraft on a routine ammunition drop. Mr. Moua's military service in the Royal Kingdom of Laos in support of the U.S. efforts to counter the communist offensive throughout the war is commendable. Between 1971 and 1974, Mr. Moua served as a police officer in the city of Long Cheng. In 1974, he was elected as a Tasseng, the equivalent of a county supervisor, where he led efforts to improve education, build new infrastructure, and conserve the environment. Facing mounting political persecution, Mr. Moua fled to Thailand in 1975. Living with his family in United Nations refugee camps, he worked for many years advocating for peace and freedom in Laos. Upon resettlement to the United States in 1994, Mr. Moua became an outstanding civic leader. He served the Hmong American community in Minnesota in a variety of important capacities. Born on August 4, 1945 in the village of Thum Xouan Phou Kam Npob, Mouang Xieng Hong, Xiengkhouang Province, Mr. Moua was the second child of eight siblings born to Mr. Cher Lue Moua and Yer Yang. Mr. Moua was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Sia Xiong, 15 children, and 48 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Moua was also a devoted brother and a caring uncle, including to my dear friend and former Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua. Please join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Ya Thao Moua.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Ms. Meghan Rice of Woodbury, Minnesota. Ms. Rice was recently presented with the Girl Scout Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Achieving this award requires extraordinary leadership, passion, and tenacity; all things that she has exhibited to the highest degree. After visiting a partner-church in San Nicolas, Honduras in 2014, Ms. Rice decided she wanted to deepen a partnership with parishioners there. In conjunction with Crossroads Church and Milk & Honey Missions, she raised $2,000 to build a new playground for the San Nicolas community. She partnered with her high school Spanish class to translate English board games to Spanish and donated them as well. However, Ms. Rice was not finished; she made sure her project was sustainable by establishing an annual Honduras Awareness Month to raise funds for expenses going forward. Despite having completed her Gold Award project, Ms. Rice intends to return to Honduras this summer to construct a garden, kitchen, and library. She creates a safe place for local children to play and promotes community engagement; Ms. Rice's Gold Award project is a tremendous example of American citizen diplomacy. It is wonderful to see a dedicated young leader succeed in the international sphere. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Meghan Rice of Woodbury, Minnesota for the service she has done. She serves as a superb example of compassionate leadership, and her future is sure to be bright.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3003 & H.R. 3004. The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003) is a misguided attempt to defund communities that have enacted separation ordinances so called ``sanctuary cities''. This legislation would force state and local law enforcement to comply with potentially unconstitutional federal immigration policies, or risk losing critical federal funding. Intimidating our communities by threatening to withhold federal funding will not fix our nation's immigration system. H.R. 3003 will add to the workload of our already overburdened local law enforcement, and drive a wedge between them and the communities they serve. Chiefs of police across our country support the enactment of separation of ordinances in the cities they serve and protect because it builds trust and keeps communities safe. I include in the Record a letter from the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, which St. Paul Chief of Police Todd Axtell is a member, that explains their strong opposition to this legislation. The federal government should not mandate that local law enforcement turn into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Kate's Law (H.R. 3004) is also a step backwards for our country. For the first time in our history, the United States would prosecute individuals who voluntarily present themselves at the border to seek asylum or to seek protection as a victim of human trafficking. This legislation would punish previously removed individuals who approach the border to apply for admission even if the individual has no criminal record or history of re-entries. I stand with my fellow Americans in upholding this country as a welcoming one for immigrants, and with my Democratic colleagues in supporting our local law enforcement with the tools they need to keep all our communities safe. Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, June 28, 2017. Dear Member of Congress: As law enforcement leaders dedicated to preserving the safety and security of our communities, we have concerns about legislative proposals that would attempt to impose punitive, ``one-size-fits-all'' policies on state and local law enforcement. Rather than strengthening state and local law enforcement by providing us with the tools to work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a manner that is responsive to the needs of our communities, these proposals would represent a step backwards. Attempts to defund so-called sanctuary cities regularly sweep too broadly, punishing jurisdictions that engage in well-established community policing practices or adhere to federal court decisions that have found federal immigration detainers to violate constitutional protections. We oppose these approaches and urge Congress to work to encourage-- rather than compel--law enforcement agency cooperation within our federal system. We believe that law enforcement should not cut corners. Multiple federal courts have questioned the legality and constitutionality of federal immigration detainers that are not accompanied by a criminal warrant signed by a judge. Even though the legality of such immigration holds is doubtful, some have proposed requiring states and localities to enforce them, shielding them from lawsuits. While this approach would reduce potential legal liability faced by some jurisdictions and departments, we are concerned these proposals would still require our agencies and officers carry out federal directives that could violate the U.S. Constitution, which we are sworn to follow. Immigration enforcement is, first and foremost, a federal responsibility. Making our communities safer means better defining roles and improving relationships between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. But in attempting to defund ``sanctuary cities'' and require state and local law enforcement to carry out the federal government's immigration enforcement responsibilities, the federal government would be substituting its judgment for the judgment of state and local law enforcement agencies. Local control has been a beneficial approach for law enforcement for decades -having the federal government compel state and local law enforcement to carry out new and sometimes problematic tasks undermines the delicate federal balance and will harm locally-based policing. Rather than requiring state and local law enforcement agencies to engage in additional immigration enforcement activities, Congress should focus on overdue reforms of the broken immigration system to allow state and local law enforcement to focus their resources on true threats - dangerous criminals and criminal organizations. We believe that state and local law enforcement must work together with federal authorities to protect our communities and that we can best serve our communities by leaving the enforcement of immigration laws to the federal government. Threatening the removal of valuable grant funding that contributes to the health and well-being of communities across the nation would not make our communities safer and would not fix any part of our broken immigration system. Our immigration problem is a national problem deserving of a national approach, and we continue to recognize that what our broken system truly needs is a permanent legislative solution--broad-based immigration reform. Sincerely, Chief Chris Magnus, Tucson, AZ Chief Roy Minter, Peoria, AZ Chief Sylvia Moir, Tempe, AZ Ret. Chief Roberto Villasenor, Tucson, AZ Chief Charlie Beck, Los Angeles, CA Ret. Chief James Lopez, Los Angeles County, CA Sheriff Margaret Mims, Fresno County, CA Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County, FL Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, Story County, IA Chief Wayne Jerman, Cedar Rapids, IA Sheriff Bill McCarthy, Polk County, IA Public Safety Director, Mark Prosser, Storm Lake, IA Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, Johnson County, IA Chief Mike Tupper, Marshalltown, IA Chief William Bones, Boise, ID Ret. Chief Ron Teachman, South Bend, IN Ret. Chief James Hawkins, Garden City, KS Commissioner William Evans, Boston, MA Chief Ken Ferguson, Framingham, MA Chief Brian Kyes, Chelsea, MA Chief Tom Manger, Montgomery County, MD Chief Todd Axtell, Saint Paul, MN Sheriff Eli Rivera, Cheshire County, NH Chief Richard Biehl, Dayton, OH Chief Cel Rivera, Lorain, OH Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare, Providence, RI Chief William Holbrook, Columbia, SC Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County, SC Ret. Chief Fred Fletcher, Chattanooga, TN Chief Art Acevedo, Houston, TX Sheriff Edward Gonzalez, Harris County, TX Sheriff Sally Hernandez, Travis County, TX Chief Brian Manley, Austin, TX Sheriff Lupe Valdez, Dallas County, TX Ret. Chief Chris Burbank, Salt Lake City, UT Chief Kathleen O'Toole, Seattle, WA Sheriff John Urquhart, King County, WA Asst. Chief Randy Gaber, Madison, WI Chief Michael Koval, Madison, WI Chief Todd Thomas, Appleton, WI *Signatures updated as of June 28, 2017 5 PM ET.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to Mary Pat Raimondi, a Minnesotan and dear friend, who is retiring after a successful and long career as a dietician and anti-hunger advocate. Mary Pat most recently has served as Vice President of Strategic Policy and Partnerships of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics where she has used her vast experience and knowledge to inform and educate policy makers on nutrition issues that improve health and reduce hunger. Mary Pat's enthusiasm for her work and dedication to nutrition issues is evident from a recent interview in which she said, ``I have the best job because I can tell the story of the value we offer to improve health to members of Congress, federal agencies, and the White House. I love to promote our members' work that impacts health and helps families and communities.'' The leadership demonstrated by Mary Pat was evident in Minnesota where she worked from many years as Program Director for the University of Minnesota Extension. She was a frequent visitor to my office and I could always count on her advice, insights, and solid information on critical policy issues. Mary Pat was a consummate professional and a tremendous resource for my staff and me. Again, I want to thank Mary Pat Raimondi for her dedicated service and her passion for the children, families, and seniors who benefited from her work.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of United States' closest allies and neighbor, the nation of Canada, on its sesquicentennial anniversary of confederation. Minnesota shares a special bond with our neighbor to the north through many deep cultural, economic, and enviromnental ties. As Minnesota's largest trading partner, Canada helps generate $20 billion of economic activity, a clear indicator of its importance to our state. However, perhaps even more meaningful are connections we share to our precious cultural and natural heritage. The Great Lakes and the pristine natural beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness not only form Minnesota's northern border with Canada, but they also help define our collective identities, drawing visitors from both near and abroad who come to explore and marvel over the world's largest reserve of fresh water, and accessible and beautiful wilderness. It is because of the natural wonders that we both share, that Minnesota and Canada also share a commitment to action in addressing climate change and protecting our natural resources for future generations. Minnesotans and Canadians are also deeply connected on a cultural leveL Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous Americans and First Nations created thriving communities and lived off of the abundance of the vast forests, plains, lakes and rivers. Europeans who later settled these lands chose names derived from indigenous languages. Minnesota came from two Dakota words; Mni meaning ``water'' and Sota meaning ``sky-tinted,'' while Canada is derived from the Iroquois-Huron word Kanata meaning ``village'' or ``settlement.'' Later on, threads of early French influence were interwoven into each of our historical tapestries. This can easily be seen in the names of streets in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and in our state motto ``L'Etoile du Nord'', ``The Star of the North''. Minnesota and Canada share so much culturally, that Canadians will often jokingly refer to Minnesota as the 11th province. Minnesotans and Canadians continue to share a strong affinity to the land and outdoors pursuits, including, hiking, boating, hunting and fishing. Perhaps nothing defines our bond more clearly today than a love of hockey. Minnesota is proudly known as ``the State of Hockey' and Canadians of all stripes similarly display unparalleled energy and passion for the sport. As we join the nation of Canada in celebrating 150 years since its confederation, let us remember the unwavering friendship and security alliance between not only our two countries, but also between the people of Canada and Minnesota. Rarely is it that two peoples, separated by national borders, hold the other in such high esteem as the people of Minnesota and Canada do for one another. As Canada embarks on another 150 years, let us continue to foster a relationship that is truly unique amongst the nations of the world. On behalf of the residents of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, it is my honor to wish Canada a happy 150th birthday.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate St. Paul's own Circus Juventas, and to congratulate them on their performance in today's opening ceremony for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This year the Folklife Festival marks its 50th Anniversary, and the youth performers of Circus Juventas will be sharing their artistry with hundreds of thousands of visitors in performances throughout the two weeks of the festival. The founders of Circus Juventas, Dan and Betty Butler, not only build confidence and excellence in their students through a multicultural circus arts education, but also inspire more than 50,000 audience members every year with their professional-level performances. Circus Juventas is a key member of the vibrant arts community in Minnesota's 4th District. Since its founding in 1994, Circus Juventas has grown into the largest performing arts circus school in North America. Over 2,500 students participate in their year round and summer camp programs. The students of Circus Juventas learn world-class skills in traditional and contemporary circus arts. As these young people come together to put on their collaborative cirque nouveau performances, they also learn the values of teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, dedication, leadership, and collaboration. As their Member of Congress, I commend all the students of Circus Juventas and Dan and Betty Butler as they bring their renowned performances and community engagement to the National Mall as the Folklife Festival celebrates the Circus Arts. The creativity that they inspire and the connections they build are a gift to our community, and we are all proud of their chance to share those gifts on a national stage.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the people of Tibet are living under China's repressive rule and their culture, religion, and way of life is at risk of being extinguished. The human rights abuses and constant repression on Tibetans perpetrated by China are intolerable and must be resisted by the United States and this Congress. Religious freedom and the preservation of Tibetan cultural and linguistic traditions are essential to a new generation of Tibetans, both inside Tibet and in exile communities in India, Nepal, and the United States (including our vibrant community in Minnesota). Past U.S. administrations have supported human rights, democracy, and education programs for the people of Tibet. Whether it is Tibetan language broadcasts as a source of independent information, the Tibetan Scholarship Program, or the Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program, these modest U.S. investments have had a strong and positive impact on creating a pathway for Tibetan leaders and voices of freedom. USAID has made important investment in support of Tibetans inside Tibet and living as refugees. It is unacceptable that the Trump administration's fiscal year 2018 budget eliminates funding for many of the important programs supporting the people of Tibet. It is up to Congress to ensure necessary funds are appropriated to sustain the Tibetan programs for the coming fiscal year. Eliminating these funds, as proposed, is an abandonment of the Tibetan people and will give China a green light to accelerate their cruel repression and destruction of Tibetan lives and culture. There is one additional issue that is of utmost urgency, the appointment of a new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the Department of State. This position, authorized in the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, is intended to guide U.S. policy toward Tibet and communicate directly with the Chinese government. I would urge Secretary Tillerson and the White House to fill this position immediately. Last weekend, Minnesota had the honor of hosting His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. I had the privilege of attending a public event with His Holiness and giving remarks before Minnesota's large and strong community of Tibetan refugees. The remarks below were delivered at that event and I ask that they be included in the Record: Remarks by Congresswoman Betty McCollum--Community Public Talk with the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota Honoring His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 24, 2017 Good morning! I am so pleased to be here with Minnesota's strong and thriving Tibetan community. I wish to thank the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota for inviting me to join you this morning. Only one month ago--in May--I was in Dharamsala, India as part of an official congressional delegation led by the Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. In Dharamsala my colleagues and I were humbled to be received very warmly and graciously by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We had a very special visit with His Holiness. Today, it is our honor to welcome His Holiness to Minnesota and his presence is a blessing and inspiration for all of us. Please accept my offer of strong support for Tibetans in Minnesota and across the U.S., for the Tibetan community in India and Nepal, and all Tibetans living in exile. The refugee experience, being forced from ones homeland, fleeing violence and persecution, is a journey of loss, pain, and suffering. You never forget home, but now you have a second home and together we must make this home in America one of safety, hope, and opportunity. We want this home to be welcoming for your families and a place where you have the freedom to maintain your culture, practice your beliefs, and sustain your rich traditions as Tibetans. I know firsthand the important contributions Tibetan-Americans are making here in Minnesota and I am grateful. Your community makes Minnesota a stronger, better state. In 2015, I was in Tibet, your homeland. I experienced the mountains, the thin air in my lungs, and the warmth of the Tibetan people I met. But, there was also the heavy burden of a land that is not free. The people of Tibet are not free. Today, let us focus our minds, our hearts, our prayers, and, as free people, let us work to make the people of Tibet free. It is long past time for China's repression in Tibet to end. The human rights abuses must stop. The prisoners of conscience must be set free. The destruction of Tibetan culture and the repression of Buddhist monks and scholars must stop. With great sadness, I must tell you that two weeks ago I received a letter from China's Counsel General in Chicago asking me to refrain from ``any contact with the Dalai Lama in any form.'' The letter called today's gathering a platform for a separatist plot. There is no plot, only a path of peace and dialogue. Let us follow His Holiness on that path, a path to separate the Tibetan people from political repression, a path to separate Tibet from endless acts of cultural destruction, and a path to separate the political and religious prisoners from their cells and their suffering. As a Member of Congress, I urge the Congress and the President of the United States to stand with the people of Tibet to promote human rights, religious freedom, and a meaningful political dialogue. China is a powerful country. But, the United States is a free and powerful country. The United States must never abandon our commitment to freedom, justice, and human rights around the world. And, we must never abandon the people of Tibet. I will work in Congress to continue U.S. funding for all Tibetan programs, scholarships, and assistance for refugees. And, I will work to pass H.R. 1872--the ``Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2017.'' Let me also urge President Trump to meet directly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and listen to his wise and compassionate insights. Mr. Trump needs to hear why ongoing U.S. support for Tibet is vital. The teachings of His Holiness are not only wise, they are in the best interest of the United States and of all of mankind. Let us love our planet and work to stop climate change. Let us welcome refugees and all who flee violence and suffering whether Buddhist, Christian or Muslim. Let us open our hearts to the poor and the vulnerable--in our own communities and around the world. Minnesota is blessed by our Tibetan brothers and sisters. And, today we are blessed by the presence of His Holiness and his teachings. May peace be upon us all and may we follow its path together. Thank you.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Anti- Border Corruption Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2213). The current polygraph requirement was mandated as part of the Anti- Border Corruption Act of 2010 to identify agents who could be corruptible or working with drug traffickers. This bill weakens critical polygraph requirements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Given CBP's scope of work with organized crime, drug cartels, and corruption, waiving the polygraph requirements would potentially expose the agency to corrupt law enforcement who would use their positions for personal gain. It is Congress' duty to ensure that CBP is using the most stringent practices when hiring agents. Other federal agencies such as FBI, DEA, ATF, and Secret Service do not exempt polygraph requirements, why should CBP be the exception? I voted yes on the Lujan Grisham amendment to the Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act. This amendment would have ensured that safety measures were in place to safeguard national security, and protect the integrity of the CBP and its officers. After the failure of this amendment, it became clear that I cannot support this bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated law enforcement officers who serve and protect communities in Minnesota and across the United States and to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In Minnesota's Fourth District and throughout America, police and peace officers bear an enormous responsibility. In local departments, state agencies, and for the federal government, the women and men of law enforcement put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our families and communities safe. As Ranking Member of Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I am particularly mindful of the work and sacrifice of federal law enforcement officers whose tasks range from serving Americans visiting our National Parks to protecting our natural resources. This National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we remember our fallen law enforcement officers. Last year, more than 140 officers lost their lives in the line of duty. As we honor their courage and sacrifice, I send my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen heroes who so proudly wore the police uniform. Congress must continue to ensure that our local and state police, as well as their federal colleagues, have the resources they need to do their jobs and serve our communities. Today and throughout the year, I join my colleagues and all Americans as we honor our law enforcement officers and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our families and communities.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act (H.R. 1695). The Library of Congress has long been a repository for books, music, movies, photographs and other original works of art. In 1897, Congress recognized the need to protect these original works and the creators behind them, establishing the United States Copyright Office. The Copyright Office is housed within the Library and operates independently. It is led by the Register of Copyrights, a position that is appointed by the Librarian. H.R. 1695 takes the appointment of the Register of Copyrights away from the Librarian of Congress, and instead makes it a political appointment by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This change would politicize the Library of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the Register of Copyrights, and that is something I do not support. Copyright industries are crucial to our economy, responsible for more than $1 trillion in GDP and employing more than 5 million people. If Congress wants to make meaningful improvements to the Copyright Office, we should address its technological limitations and need for modernization, and ensure it has the funding and resources needed to do that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act (H.R. 1695).